The Spirent ABACUS System is a modular, expandable testing platform for performance and protocol validation of network devices and services. This configuration pairs five Advanced Channel Generator (ACG) modules with two Protocol Channel Generator (PCG) modules and a Performance Interface (PI) module to deliver simultaneous call generation and switching functionality. An external PC running proprietary Abacus software controls the system, managing test execution, parameter configuration, and data acquisition through an integrated System Controller and Power/Interface subsystem.
Technical Specifications
Channel capacity scales from 5 to 1023 channels, supporting diverse network architectures and test scenarios. The system handles both call generation and call switching operations concurrently within a single platform.
Protocol support spans IP and PSTN telephony testing:
• Analog FXO (loop start/ground start)
• SS7, CAS, MF R1/R1.5/R2
• ISDN PRI, GR-303, V5.1/V5.2
• RTP, H.323, SIP, MGCP, Megaco
• Clear channel signaling
• Fax with T.30 and T.38
• Analog (ECG3), TDM (PCG3), T3/E3 and G.747 (TCG3), and IP Telephony (ICG3)
– Key Features
Media payload formats include tones, WAV files, and video (H.261/H.263 encoding). CODEC support encompasses G.711, G.726, G.723.1, and G.729A/B encoding/decoding variants.
Voice quality measurement provides real-time metrics: MOS, PSQM, PSQM+, and PESQ.
– Typical Applications
Voice quality assessment across analog and IP networks. Protocol adherence validation for legacy circuit-switched and modern VoIP infrastructure. Fax transmission testing with standard T.30 and T.38 implementations. Multi-protocol call control testing in heterogeneous network environments.
– Compatibility & Integration
System control requires Windows-based external PC with Abacus user interface software. The integrated System Controller distributes parameters and aggregates test data. Power and data distribution to the system midplane handled by the PI subsystem.
